This
is the third release on David Sylvian’s Samadhi Sound label, and
the first from another artist. Akira Rabelais has already produced a number
of albums under the ambient genre, usually consisting of a collection
of formless, lengthy compositions that defy the use of any sort of natural
instrumentation. Spellewauerynsherde is no exception, featuring 7 tracks
of rather desolate, bleak and haunting backgrounds with heavily treated
traditional Icelandic accapella female vocals floating eerily above.

It’s
little surprise then that this album has a spiritual feel to it, especially
considering Sylvian’s own frequent flirtations with the subject
matter; which no doubt contributed to his interest in this release. The
atmospherics are expertly crafted, with an incredible sense of dimension
between the filtered frequencies and platforms of sound; but it’s
the use of the vocals that give the album such a unique feel, often being
slowed down, reversed, chopped and delayed to produce a variety of interesting
aural effects.

Promp.
Parv. 518/20 is particularly uncanny, with overlapping vocals that are
slowed down to a virtually unrecognisably halt, and given a chilling,
gated, metallic tone that slowly disappears and re-emerges into view.
Some tracks resemble John Foxx remarkable 1995 album Cathedral Oceans,
which also has a very spacious, sacred texture to it - although, unlike
that record, Spellewauerynsherde lacks a stong melodic aspect or sense
of emotional uplift. However, it is likely to channel you into a sort
of soothing, calming unreality that should see it filed neatly under ‘ambient’
in your CD collection. Despite its resonating sadness, it also grows on
you like moss.